Multi-step storage apparatus for adaptably holding discs and disc storage devices

ABSTRACT

An embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus for holding computer disks with or without a case in a manner that displays the label side of the disk to the user. In one or more instances, the apparatus embodying the invention comprises an open-faced housing having a plurality of grooves of multiple depths recessed into one or more portions of the housing. Each groove is configured to hold disks and/or their cases so that the user may easily insert and retrieve disks via the grooves. Embodiments of the invention allow the storage of a jewel case or a disk, a mini-jewel case or a disk, a jewel case or a mini-jewel case or a mini-jewel case and a disk at the same time or a jewel case in place of both a mini-jewel case and a disk. The grooves holding a disk may or may not overlap the data carrying portion of the disk depending upon the embodiment of the invention. The open-faced housing may comprise a uniform piece that is formed via an injection mold or any other type of housing that may contain recessed grooves without inhibiting the function of the housing. A computer monitor, computer case, desk, computer printer, or any other place where it would be convenient for a user to store disks may be adapted to incorporate embodiments of the invention. For instance, a bundle of disks could have an open-faced housing placed on top where the open-faced housing contains grooves configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/292,269, filed on Nov. 11, 2002 entitled “APPARATUS FORHOLDING DISKS”, which in turn is a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/108,065, filed on Mar. 27, 2002 entitled“APPARATUS FOR STORING DISKS” which is a non-provisional of provisionalapplication 60/278,964 filed on Mar. 27, 2001 the specifications ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. This application claims thebenefit of U.S. Pat. No. D462,863, filed on Jan. 19, 2001 entitled “DISKHOLDER”, U.S. Pat. No. D463,190, filed on Jul. 10, 2001 entitled “HOLDERFOR COMPACT DISKS”, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/169,479,entitled “HOLDER FOR COMPACT DISKS”, U.S. Design patent application Ser.No. 29/169,480, entitled “HOLDER FOR COMPACT DISKS”, and U.S. Designpatent application Ser. No. 29/169,481 entitled “HOLDER FOR COMPACTDISKS.” all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of computer disk storage solutionsand provides mechanisms for storing computer disks such as DVDs, disksor any other type of computer readable data and their accompanyingstorage case.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the present discussion about current systems, the problems andlimitations set forth as existent in the prior art are provided forexemplarily purposes. It should be clear to one of ordinary skill in theart that these problems also exist in other contexts or professions andthat the invention may have application in situations other than theones described herein.

There are many different ways to store data holding disks such asCD-ROM, audio disks, and DVDs. The most prominent storage solutions areknown by those of ordinary skill in the art as “Jewel Box”, “JewelCase”, “Slim Case”, “DVD Case” and “Mini-Jewel Case”. Although bulky andinconvenient to use, a jewel box is an excellent long-term storage casefor a disk because it provides protection from dust, scratches, andbreakage. Most storage solutions currently on the market claim toprovide equal protection as the jewel box. However, there are manydisadvantages with jewel boxes and other types of storage solutions. Ajewel box is meant for long term disk storage. Although jewel boxesprotect the disk, they do not provide quick and convenient access forplacement to and from playback or recording apparatuses such as audio orcomputer equipment. Furthermore, jewel boxes, sleeves, and othercontainers that hold disks generally only provide storage and protectionfor one disk.

Because of these disadvantages, consumers tend to leave disks out oftheir cases to save time for quick access. This can potentially harm thedisks by increasing odds of scratching the disk or causing otherimperfections. Furthermore, consumers that are worried about scratchingtheir disk, yet require quick access, will lay the disk upside down toprevent the “play” side from touching any surface. Since logos and/orother identifying information are not printed on the “play” side,placing the disk upside down makes it impossible for the user to see thearea of the disk that identifies the content of the disk.

Thus, there is a need for a disk holding apparatus that enables users toeasily access the disk without having to endure the process of removingthe disk from a case. However, it is also important that disk storagesolutions minimize damage from occurring to the “play” side of the disk.Therefore what is desired is a storage apparatus that provides temporaryhousing for several disks, which adequately protects the disks fromscratching and provides quick and convenient access to the disks foreasy placement and removal, as well as the ability to view the disk ofchoice.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus for holding diskswith or without a case in a manner that displays the label side of thedisk to the user. In one or more instances, the apparatus embodying theinvention comprises an open-faced housing having a plurality of groovesof multiple depths recessed into one or more portions of the housing.Each groove is configured to hold disks and/or their cases so that theuser may easily insert and retrieve disks via the grooves. Manydifferent case sizes for disks exist. Cases that hold DVDs are generallyslightly wider than cases that hold CDs. There are however many types ofcases that hold CDs, including jewel cases and slim cases. Cases thatmuch thicker than the physical width dimension of a disk are termed“thick cases” and cases that are minimally larger than a disk are termed“thin case” herein. Other embodiments of the invention allow themultiple items to be stored within a single outer slot configured tohold a thick case. This may include the combinations of a thick case ora disk, a thin case or a disk, a thick case or a thin case or a thincase and a disk, or a thick case in place of both a thin case and adisk. The grooves holding a disk may or may not overlap the datacarrying portion of a disk depending upon the embodiment of theinvention. The open-faced housing may comprise a uniform piece that isformed via an injection mold or any other type of housing that maycontain recessed grooves without inhibiting the function of the housing.A computer monitor, computer case, desk, computer printer, or any otherplace where it would be convenient for a user to store disks may beadapted to incorporate embodiments of the invention. For instance, acylindrical bundle package of disks could have an open-faced housingformed into the top of the package where the open-faced housing containsgrooves configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

In the event that the open-faced housing is configured with multiplegrooves, each groove may be separated from the other by a distancegreater than the thickness of the disks the apparatus is designed tohold. If, for instance, the apparatus is configured to hold disks, thesecond groove is proximally located a distance from the first that isgreater than the thickness of the disk. However, the invention is notlimited to spacing the grooves at any particular distance and maycontain grooves that are separated by more or less than the thickness ofthe medium the apparatus is intended to hold. In one embodiment of theinvention, each groove acts as a repository for holding disks in aspecific position. A groove that is recessed into the top portion of thehousing may, for example, be configured to hold CD-ROMs, DVDs, audioCDs, or any other form of data storage in an upright position. In otherinstances the grooves are configured to hold disks in alternativepositions. If the grooves are recessed into the side portion of thehousing, the grooves may hold disks in a sideways or other angledposition.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, one or more groovesare configured to hold the disks in position by frictionally engagingdisks placed into the groove. Each groove may, for example, comprise aninsert that holds the disk in place without damaging the surface of thedisk. The insert may be made felt, rubber, foam, or any other substancethat can be utilized to provide a protective layer between the disk andthe housing in which the disk may be placed. The width of each insertdepends upon the type of media the apparatus is intended to hold. In oneembodiment of the invention, each insert is minimally greater than thethickness of the media the insert will frictionally engage. If, forexample, a DVD or CD-ROM is to be held by the insert, the insertcomprises an opening large enough to allow the disk to be easilyremoved, but narrow enough to firmly hold the disk in place. The readershould note however, that not all versions of the invention require aninsert and that grooves may be adapted to holds disks by incorporatinggrooves having an upper and a lower portion into the apparatus. Forinstance, concave shaped grooves or other angular forms of groovedesigns are contemplated.

In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus for holding at leastone disk containing digital media is configured to comprise anopen-faced housing and at least one of semicircular disk-hold portionshaped to engage a disk on a non-recordable or recorded portion of thedisk when the disk is inserted into said semi-circular disk-hold portionwithout a protective disk cover. The apparatus described herein may alsocontain an angled-guide portion connected to the semi-circular disk-holdportion for guiding an edge of the disk into the groove associated withthe semi-circular disk-hold portion. The semi-circular disk-hold portionis typically recessed into said open-faced housing but could alsoextrude from the open-faced housing. The open-faced housing can be madeof a single continuous portion (e.g., via injection molding) or multipleelements and each of the semi-circular disk hold portions can bepositioned at an incline. For purpose of marketing each open-facedhousing may comprises a portion for placement of a graphics image. Theopen-faced housing may also contain at least one pair of a successivelynarrower protective-case-hold portion interposed with a correspondingsuccessively narrower angled-guide portion the last pair of whichultimately leads into the semicircular disk-hold portion. Theprotective-case-hold portion can fit a protective cover narrower than aDVD case or a jewel case. The outermost protective-case-hold portiontypically fits a jewel case and the next innermost protective-case-holdportion fits a protective cover narrower than a jewel case, such as aslim case. Other variations on this theme are a thick case slot for DVDcases with a disk slot indented deeper into the outermost slot.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, a disk, thin case and thickcase width slots are combined with one of the other two width slots. Oneembodiment combines a DVD case width slot with a further indented diskwidth slot. One embodiment combines a jewel case width slot with afurther indented disk width slot. One embodiment combines a slim casewidth slot with a further indented disk width slot. One embodimentcombines a jewel case width slot with a slim case width slot. Anotherembodiment is created by combining all three width slots together. Thisembodiment combines a jewel case width slot at the outer level with aslim case width and disk width slot both at an inner level therebyproviding a slot that can hold either a jewel case, or both a slim caseand disk in the same slot when the jewel case is not present. Anotherembodiment could have a DVD case width slot as the outermost slot andemploy a jewel or slim width slot with a disk width slot.

In one embodiment of the invention the open-faced housing is formed intothe top cover of a cylindrical bundle package and contains a conicalindentation to hold a writing implement. Alternatively, theopen-faced-housing can be formed into a vertically orientedconfiguration for mounting on a vertical surface such as a wall orcomputer monitor. The vertically oriented configuration may have a paperholder mounted on the reverse side. The open-faced housing may alsocontains semi-circular disk-hold portions arranged substantiallyparallel to the longest axis of the open-faced housing and contain ameans for modularly connecting a plurality of the open-faced housings toone another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an angled view of the front and top ofthe media storage apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 provides an example of the interior portion of each groovedesigned to frictionally engage disks in accordance with one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 3A and 3B illustrate a cradle groove in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an angled view of the bottom of theopen-faced housing showing recessed central portion in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a side view of the open-faced housingshowing recessed grooves for disk storage in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a removable set of inserts adapted to be placedwithin open-faced housing in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged version of a stand (rear and side view)for the open-faced housing in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the open-faced housing with focus on afront portion and set of removable inserts in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the open-faced housing in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of the open-faced housing in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention FIG. 11 illustrates a top view ofthe open-faced housing with focus on a front portion and set ofremovable inserts in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a side view of the open-faced housingshowing recessed grooves for disk storage in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an angled view of the front and top ofthe media storage device in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of an angled view of the bottom of theopen-faced housing showing recessed central portion in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15A illustrates an example of an angled view of the front and topof the media storage apparatus embodiment of a semi-circular diskholding open-faced housing.

FIG. 15B illustrates an example of a side cross sectional view of thegrooves of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16A illustrates an example of an angled view of the front and topof the media storage apparatus embodiment of an open-faced housing withangled-guides leading into the semi-circular disk holding grooves.

FIG. 16B illustrates an example of a side cross sectional view of thegrooves of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C shows a front view of the semi-circular disk hold portionconfigured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17A illustrates an example of an angled view of the front and topof the media storage apparatus embodiment of an open-faced housing withprotective-case-hold portions leading into angled-guide portions leadinginto smaller protective-case-hold portions leading into semi-circulardisk holding grooves.

FIG. 17B illustrates an example of a side view of the grooves of FIG.17A.

FIG. 17C illustrates a close up view of one of the grooves in FIG. 17A.

FIG. 17D illustrates an example of the apparatus holding a jewel case inone groove, a mini jewel case in another groove and a disk without aprotective case in another groove.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of the apparatus embedded into a compactdisk bundle package top cover. This figure also shows the indentationsfor writing implements to be inserted vertically and horizontally.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a vertical embodiment of theapparatus. This embodiment may be placed in a substantially verticalorientation.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a vertically orient embodiment of theapparatus mounted on the reverse side of a computer mounted paperholder. This figure also shows a vertical hanging mount for hanging theapparatus over a cubicle wall.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example of an angled view of the front and top ofthe media storage apparatus with grooves substantially parallel to thelong axis of the apparatus whereby the apparatus can be modularlyconnected to another such apparatus to create an apparatus capable ofstoring more disks.

FIG. 22A illustrates an example of a thick case width slot with afurther indented disk width slot.

FIG. 22B illustrates an example of a thick case width slot with a rampleading into a disk width slot for guiding a disk into place.

FIG. 22C illustrates an example of a ramp leading to a thick case widthslot with a ramp leading to a disk width slot.

FIG. 22D illustrates the top view of FIG. 22C.

FIG. 23A illustrates an example of a slim case width slot with a furtherindented disk width slot.

FIG. 23B illustrates an example of a slim case width slot with a rampleading into a disk width slot for guiding a disk into place.

FIG. 23C illustrates an example of a ramp leading to a slim case widthslot with a ramp leading to a disk width slot.

FIG. 23D illustrates the top view of FIG. 23C.

FIG. 24A illustrates an example of a thick case width slot with afurther indented thin case width slot.

FIG. 24B illustrates an example of a thick case width slot with a rampleading into a thin case width slot for guiding a disk into place.

FIG. 24C illustrates an example of a ramp leading to a thick case widthslot with a ramp leading to a thin case width slot.

FIG. 24D illustrates the top view of FIG. 24C.

FIG. 25A illustrates an example of a thick case width slot with twofurther indented slots, a thin case width slot and a disk width slot.

FIG. 25B illustrates an example of a thick case width slot with twofurther indented slots, a thin case width slot and a ramp leading into adisk width slot for guiding a disk into place.

FIG. 25C illustrates an example of a thick case width slot with twofurther indented slots, with a ramp leading to a thin case width slotand a ramp leading to disk width slot.

FIG. 25C 2 illustrates an example of a ramp leading to a thick casewidth slot and thin case width slot, the jewel case width slot havingtwo further indented slots, a thin case width slot and a ramp leading todisk width slot.

FIG. 25D illustrates the top view of FIG. 25C.

FIG. 26 illustrates a modular component embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27A illustrates the top view of an embodiment of the invention usedas a mailer and horizontal holder combination.

FIG. 27B illustrates the side view of FIG. 27A.

FIG. 28A illustrates the front view of an embodiment of the inventionfor use as a mailer and vertical holder combination.

FIG. 28B illustrates the side cut-away view of FIG. 28A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A multi-step storage apparatus for holding disks and disk storagedevices is described. In the following description numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understandingof the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilledin the art, that the present invention may be practiced withoutincorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure embodiments of the invention.

The multi-step storage apparatus described herein is designed to house adisk (e.g., a compact disk) of any size or shape in a functional manner.Embodiments of the invention comprise an apparatus for holding diskswith or without a case in a manner that displays the label bearing sideof the disk to the user. In one or more instances the apparatusembodying the invention comprises an open-faced housing having aplurality of grooves recessed into a portion of the housing. Anyconventional or unconventional Compact Disk (disk), CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW,or DVD containing, for example, any audio or visual informationincluding music, movies, software or any combination thereof can bestored by embodiments of the invention. The term “disk” is utilized torepresent circular disk 120 in FIG. 1, for the sake of convenience only;the term is not meant to be limited solely to compact disks, but mayrepresent any data storage solution. Disk 120 may, for example,represent a CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, CD-RW, or computer readable objectshaving other shapes. Thus, the storage apparatus may be adapted for usewith square, rectangular, or any other angled or non-angularly shapeddata storage solution. Each groove is configured to hold disks and/ortheir cases so that the user may easily insert and retrieve disks viathe grooves. Many different case sizes for disks exist. Cases that holdDVDs are generally slightly wider than cases that hold CDs. There arehowever many types of cases that hold CDs, including jewel cases andslim cases. Cases that much thicker than the physical width dimension ofa disk are termed “thick cases” and cases that are minimally larger thana disk are termed “thin case” herein. An example of a thick case wouldbe a jewel case or DVD case that is roughly ten times thicker than anactual disk. An example of a thin case would be a disk sleeve or slimcase that closely covers the disk. Other embodiments of the inventionallow the multiple items to be stored within a single outer slotconfigured to hold a thick case. This may include the combinations of athick case or a disk, a thin case or a disk, a thick case or a thin caseor a thin case and a disk, or a thick case in place of both a thin caseand a disk. The grooves holding a disk may or may not overlap the datacarrying portion of the disk depending upon the embodiment of theinvention. The open-faced housing may comprise a uniform piece that isformed via an injection mold or any other type of housing that maycontain recessed grooves without inhibiting the function of the housing.A computer monitor, computer case, desk, computer printer, or any otherplace where it would be convenient for a user to store disks may beadapted to incorporate embodiments of the invention. For instance, abundle package of disks could have an open-faced housing formed in thetop cover wherein the open-faced housing contains grooves configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an open-faced housing configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus isdesigned to provide the user with a place for quickly accessing disks.Thus disks placed in the apparatus are inserted without a jewel case orany other form of packaging material. Grooves 102-112 are recessed intoa portion of open-faced housing 100 and each groove is configured tohold disk 120 in an upright position. Each groove is configured to holddisk 120 so that the user may insert disk 120 (e.g., a disk, DVD, and/orany other type of data storage media) into the grooves. The inventioncontemplates the inclusion of grooves 102-112 of varying size and depthinto open-faced housing 100. Thus, grooves 102-112 may comprise any typeof indentation or depression adapted to hold disk 120 in an uprightposition.

Open-faced housing 100 may comprise a uniform piece that is formed viaan injection mold process. In this instance the open-faced housing ismade of plastic or some other type of polymer based compound. However,the invention contemplates the use of any substance that can be moldedto form a shape having recessed grooves (e.g., wood, metal, etc.). Inone embodiment of the invention the uniform piece that forms theopen-faced housing is a single piece molded into a shape that containsrecessed grooves although it is important to note that the invention isnot limited to instances where one uniform piece forms the open-facedhousing. Any number of pieces may be coupled together to form a shapethat has a plurality of grooves recessed into a portion of thestructure. However, a single piece may also form open-faced housing. Forinstance, a single piece of plastic could be shaped to form theapparatus embodying aspects of the invention.

In some instances the open-faced housing is integrated into deviceshaving a purpose other than the storage of disks. For example, theopen-faced housing may be part of any other type of device or housingadaptable to contain recessed grooves for holding data storage solutionswithout inhibiting the function of the housing. A computer monitor,computer case, desk, computer printer, or any other item where it wouldbe convenient for a user to store disks may be adapted to become anopen-faced housing having recessed grooves configured to hold a disk inan extended position. It should be understood by one of ordinary skillin the art that open-faced housing 100 may take on any size and shape,as well as house any number of disk's to be stored vertically,horizontally, or in any other position. In each instance, open-facedhousing may hold any form of digital media without requiring anyadditional storage solutions. For instance, a jewel case or any otherform of disk packaging is not required in order to hold the data storagesolutions. In one embodiment of the invention open-faced housing 100 isdesigned to look “sleek” and “high-tech” by rounding the edges toenhance consumer appeal and encourage impulse buying. However, theinvention may take other forms or shapes that incorporate thefunctionality described herein.

In the event that the open-faced housing is configured with multiplegrooves, each groove 102-112 may be separated from the other by adistance greater than the thickness of the disks the apparatus isdesigned to hold. If, for instance, the apparatus embodying theinvention is configured to hold disk 120 and disk 120 represents a disk,the second groove is proximally located a distance from the first thatis greater than the thickness of the disk. Thus, the distance betweengroove 102 and groove 104 is typically greater than the thickness ofdisk 120. However, the invention is not limited to spacing the groovesat any particular distance and may contain grooves that are separated bymore or less than the thickness of the medium the apparatus is intendedto hold.

In one embodiment of the invention, each groove 102-112 acts as areceptacle for holding disk 120 in a specific position. A groove that isrecessed into the top portion of the housing may, for example, beconfigured to hold CD-ROMs, DVDs, or CD-Rs in an upright or extendedposition (see e.g., groove 102). In other instances grooves 102-112 areconfigured to hold disks in alternative positions. If the open-facedhousing is positioned upright (e.g., where groove 112 is located closetto the portion of the housing that is in contact with a physicalsurface) grooves 102-112 are considered recessed into the top portion ofthe housing. However, grooves may be adapted to hold disks in a sidewaysor other angled position. Open-faced housing 100 may have a portion 122designed to display identifying information such as a company logo orother graphic image. Identifying information may be attached to the areain the form of a sticker, engraving, or other printing method. It shouldalso be noted that any company could use this area to brand the productby placing their company logo in its place.

It is important to note that although the term open-faced housing isused for illustrative purposes, an embodiment of the invention alsocontemplates the use of housings that may be covered so as to providefurther protection for disks held within the recessed grooves of thehousing. Thus, for example, open-faced housing 100 may be configured toalso include a cover that protects the surface of the disks placed ingrooves 102-112. Open-face housing 100 is typically positioned so thatthe user can view the front portion (non-play side) of disk 120. The topportion of the open-faced housing may be positioned at an angle thatallows the user to see a front portion of each disk. The apparatus may,for instance, sit at an angle that positions each groove on a plane thatis approximately 30 degrees different from the surface upon which theapparatus is placed. However, the invention contemplates embodimentsusing various other positions and may, for example, be adapted so thatthe plane each groove sits at is any angle. Embodiments of the inventionmay sit vertically, horizontally, upside down, or at any positionin-between.

FIG. 2 provides an example of the interior portion of each groove inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. Each groove 210-216 isconfigured to hold disk 218 in position by frictionally engaging a diskplaced into the groove. Inner groove 208, for example, may comprise aninsert 200 that holds the disk in place without damaging the surface ofdisk 218. Open-faced housing 220 may have any number of grooves and maybe adapted to contain more or less than the number of groovesillustrated in FIG. 1. Insert 200 may be made felt, rubber, foam, or anyother substance that can be utilized to provide a protective layerbetween disk 218 and housing 220 in which disk 218 may be placed. In oneembodiment of the invention, the inserts keep disk 218 or other form ofdigital media secure by keeping the front or back of the item placedwithin the insert from touching the open-faced housing to avoidscratching the disk surface. Inserts 200 may also be configured to holddisk 218 snuggly in place. The width of each insert 200 depends upon thetype of disk 218 the apparatus is intended to hold. In one embodiment ofthe invention, each insert 200 is minimally greater than the thicknessof the disk the insert will frictionally engage. If disk 218 is, forexample, a DVD or CD-ROM, insert 200 comprises an opening large enoughto allow the disk to be easily removed, but narrow enough to firmly holdthe disk in place.

Grooves 210, 212, 214 and 216 may be recessed at varying depths. Forexample, groove 216 located toward the back portion of open-facedhousing 220 may have a depth less than groove 214. In some instanceshowever, each groove is approximately the same depth but open-facedhousing is positioned at an angle so that the top portion of each disksits above the preceding disk. Referring back to FIG. 1, for example, adisk placed in groove 102 sits at a lower position than a disk placed ingroove 112. The invention contemplates the use of any type mechanismdesigned to position open-faced housing 100 at an incline. For example,in FIG. 7 stand 700 can be used in order to move open-faced housing 100in FIG. 1 into an inclined position so that the disks are arranged in aplane that slants upwards. Thus, the back portion of open-faced housing100 is typically higher than front portion 124. The stand may comprise awire frame or some other type of substance (e.g., plastic, wood, or anyother solid substance). When a wire frame is utilized, the wire framemay be inserted into open-faced housing 100 in holes or other couplingmechanisms located underneath the housing 220 in FIG. 2. The frame standis optional and the housing may be formed in such a way that is has itown stand integrated into the housing. Stand 700 can be made of anysolid material that can support open-faced housing 100 and force it tostand so that the front is flush and touching any flat surface. Thusstand 700 enables front portion 124 to lie flat on the surface when thestand 700 is attached. It is important to note that the purpose of stand700 is used to help lift the open-faced housing into an inclinedposition to provide easier viewing and access to disks held within thegrooves. However, it is not imperative to have stand 700 attached toeffectively use open-faced housing 100. The housing can still beconfigured to reside at an incline without stand 700.

FIG. 3 a illustrates an alternative configuration for each groove inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. One or more of thegrooves illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, may be configured to holddisk 300 in a cradle portion 302 that provides the disk with a place torest. Cradle portion 302 need not frictionally engage the disk, but maycontain a buffer that prevents the disk from damage. However, in oneembodiment of the invention no such buffer is present and disk 300 sitsin cradle 302. FIG. 3 b shows a side view of cradle 302 as it isintegrated into open-faced housing 304. In this instance groove 305 doesnot contain any protective insert, but is instead configured in to holda disk without a jewel case. Grooves 305 may, for instance, have a basethat utilizes a step or concave shape to hold circular objects and/orother shaped objects of varying size. This concave portion is referredto in one embodiment of the invention as cradle 302. However, cradle 302need not always to be concave. Rather cradle 302 comprises a centerportion (302) lower than the two side portions (310 and 308).

As used in this description, the terms “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”,etc., refer to housing 100 when in the orientation illustrated inFIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention from a bottom viewperspective. Grooves 102-112 are recessed into open-faced housing anddisk 120 may be positioned in each groove. Center portion 150 representscradle 302 in the previous figure. However, center portion 150 may alsoprovide a location for placement of inserts 200 as depicted in FIG. 2.Center portion 150 is not required in order to properly hold disk 120 inposition but may be optionally included so as to provide the manufacturewith design flexibility.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the open-faced housing in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. Inserts 201-206 may protrude fromgrooves 102-112 and can therefore be removed from open-faced housing 100for purposes of replacement or design flexibility. Inserts 201-206 mayhave beveled edges in front and back of each groove to increase ease ofdisk access to and from the groove. However, grooves may also beconfigured to hold digital media without any insert.

In one embodiment of the invention inserts 201-206 are not removable andare part of the housing itself. However, in other instances inserts201-206 are incorporated into a removable portion that snugly sits inopen-faced housing 100 within portion 150. An example of a removable setof inserts 600 is shown in FIG. 6. Removable set of inserts 600 maycomprise multiple slots configured to hold the digital media. In oneembodiment of the invention, each slot is approximately 1.5 times thewidth of the digital media the slot is intended to store. However, theinvention contemplates the use of slots having any width that snugglyholds a disk. The slots are typically centered in grooves 102-112 butmay be located in other positions. The removable set of inserts may becomprised of closed cell foam, rubber, or some other type of substancethat will hold a disk in an extended position, but still allow the userto pull the disk from the slot.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a top view and back view in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. FIG. 10 comprises a rear view of theopen-faced housing in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.In the embodiment illustrated open-faced housing 100 comprises grooves102-112 and lacks center portion 150 (see e.g., FIG. 14). Thus, FIG. 10illustrates that center portion 150 is not required for purposes ofholding disks. Grooves 102-112 may be recessed directly into open-facedhousing 100, such that center portion 150 is optional. For instance,referring now to FIG. 11 that illustrates a top view with focus on afront portion and set of removable inserts in accordance with anembodiment of the invention, center portion 150 is shown in a mannerthat is integrated uniformly into housing 100. Thus, housing 100 is asingle piece in one embodiment of the invention, but may also beseparated into two or more pieces.

FIG. 12 comprises an example of a side view of the open-faced housingconfigured as a single piece and showing recessed grooves for diskstorage in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Grooves201-206 may optionally include a non-abrasive substances such a rubberor foam to hold disks into place. FIG. 13 comprises an example of anangled view of the front and top of the disk storage device inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. The device isconfigured as one piece in this embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG.14 comprises an example of an angled view of the bottom of theopen-faced housing showing recessed central portion in accordance withan embodiment of the invention. The bottom portion of grooves 102-112are recessed into housing 100 such that the grooves become part of thehousing. Thus, grooves become part of a recessed central portion coupleto or part of housing 100.

FIG. 15A shows an example of an open-faced housing configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus isdesigned to minimize possible damage to the recordable section of thedisk by providing a semi-circular disk-hold portion that is the portionof the invention that physically touches the disk. Thus disks placed inthe apparatus are inserted without any form of protective cover. Grooves102-112 are recessed into a portion of the open-faced housing 100 andeach groove is configured to hold a disk in an outward orientation fromthe open-faced housing.

FIG. 15B shows the side view of grooves 102-112 in the open-facedhousing 100 of FIG. 15A. Note that although the use of the semi-circulardisk-hold portion in this description provides a solid support for thedisk, piecewise linear portions could also be used. A possibleembodiment of this would be a cutout of half of a hexagonal tube,contacting the disk in three places, albeit contacting the disk vianoncontiguous grooves. Any other geometric shape that can hold a groovecapable of holding a disk without a protective case with or withouttouching the non-recordable portion of the disk falls within the scopeof this invention.

FIG. 16A shows an example of an open-faced housing configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus isdesigned to minimize possible damage to the recordable or recordedsection of the disk by providing an angled-guide portion (e.g.,1600-1605) leading to the semi-circular disk-hold portion for guidingthe non-recordable or recorded edge of the disk into the semi-circulardisk-hold portion, thereby further reducing the chance of damaging thedisk. The angled-guide portion is shaped to assist the user in placingthe disk into the semi-circular disk-hold portion. For instance in oneembodiment of the invention, angled-guide portion 1600 is sloped outwardfrom at least one groove 112.

FIG. 16B shows the side view of grooves 102-112 in the open-facedhousing of FIG. 16A. Each groove (e.g., 112) is assembled to have a baseportion 1606, a first side portion 1607, a second side portion 1608, andoptionally at least one angled-guide portion (e.g., 1609, 1610). Thedepth and width of the groove depends upon the purpose of the open-facedhousing. When a disk, DVD, or other digital media having a circular orotherwise geometric shape is to be stored in the open-faced housing, thedepth of the first side portion and second side portion matches orsubstantially matches the width of the non-recorded edge portion of adisk. Although the depth may be less than, equal to or greater than thenon-recorded portion of the disk, the device is typically configured tominimize damage to the recorded portion of the disk that is insertedinto the groove. Embodiments of the invention may contain grooves thatare deeper than the recordable area of the disk in order to provide morestability. When a disk is inserted into groove 112, the disk rests onbase portion 1 606 and is held substantially upright by the first sideportion 1607 and/or second side portion 1608 protruding from baseportion 1606. The width of base portion 1606 varies across differentembodiments of the invention depending upon the form of disk theopen-faced housing is designed to hold. In each instance, the baseportion is slightly wider than the form it is intended to hold (e.g., adisk, a jewel case, a disk, etc . . . ). If a disk without a protectivesleeve is to be inserted, the width of the base portion is set to beapproximately the width of the edge portion of the disk. In otherinstances, the width of the base portion is adjustable either by theuser or the manufacturer to fit the size of the item to be inserted. Theangled-guide portions 1609 and 1610 are coupled with the first sideportion and second side portion and acts as a funnel to the groove(e.g., base portion 1606, first side portion 1607, second side portion1608), thereby providing a mechanism for guiding disks into thesemi-circular disk-hold portion that contains the groove describedherein.

FIG. 16C shows a front view of the semi-circular disk hold portionconfigured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Thesemi-circular disk hold portion 1614 that is recessed into open-facedhousing 100 and configured to minimize contact with the recorded portion1613 of disk 1615. The non-recorded portion of disk 1615 or an outeredge portion of disk 1615 rests within the semi-circular disk holdportion thereby minimizing the potential for damage to the disk.Embodiments of the invention may utilize grooves that are deep enough tocontact the recordable area of the disk in order to provide morestability.

FIG. 17A shows an example of an open-faced housing configured with anembodiment of the invention. The apparatus is designed to minimizepossible damage to the recordable section of the disk by providing anangled-guide portion leading to the semi-circular disk-hold portion forguiding the edge of the disk into the semi-circular disk-hold portion,thereby reducing the chance of damaging the disk. In addition, thegroove has a rectangular protective-case-hold portion as the outermostindentation capable of holding a jewel case and a further recessednarrower and deeper protective-case-hold portion. FIG. 17B shows theside view of the grooves in the open-faced housing of FIG. 17A. Thewidth of the groove steps inward to become successively narrower towardsthe base portion of the groove. FIG. 17C shows a detailed side view ofone of the grooves. The outermost protective-case-hold portion 148 isconfigured to hold something such as a jewel case and is connected tosmaller protective-case hold portion 150 via angled-guide portion 149which may have an angle between 0 and 90 degrees. Protective-case-holdportion 150 is configured to hold a protective case smaller thanprotective-case hold portion 148. This protective-case-hold portion 150is connected via angled-guide portion 151 to semi-circular disk holdportion 152. In this embodiment, each groove is capable of holding ajewel case, mini-jewel case or a disk without a protective cover asshown in FIG. 17D.

Different embodiments of the invention can by combinatorially created bycombining these different protective-case-hold portions with thesemi-circular disk-hold portion. For example another embodiment of theinvention would include a groove that is configured to hold a jewel caseor a disk without a protective case. Another embodiment could hold amini jewel case or a disk without a protective case, and yet anotherembodiment could hold a jewel case or a mini jewel case in the nextinner protective case portion, without providing a hold portion for adisk without a protective cover. The groove widths of the variousportions are such that the apparatus can hold a disk with or without aprotective cover by providing substantially parallel planes of minimallygreater than the corresponding width of the item to be held. The depthsof the grooves are any depth which can provide the sides of the groovesenough support to hold the item in place. In the case of holding a diskwithout a protective cover, the grooves can be minimally wider than thewidth of the disk, and deep enough to not engage the non-recordable orrecorded portion of the disk. However, the grooves can be constructeddeeper or shallower than this depth so long as the sides of the groovehold the item substantially upright. The grooves for the portions thathold the protective cases can also be minimally wider that the items tobe held, and as deep as is necessary to hold the item substantiallyupright. These depths can be the same as the width of the item, deeper,or shallower than the item's width so long as the item is properly heldin place.

As this description has already detailed other integration points forthe invention, such as a computer monitor, computer case, desk, computerprinter, or any other item where it would be convenient for a user tostore disks, an example of such an embodiment is displayed in FIG. 18.In this embodiment open-faced housing 1800 (which containsgrooves/semi-circular disk hold portions as described above) forms theouter case or top cover of a disk bundle package and thereby provides aplace to set disks into when burning or using them. In addition, thecase also provides a slot 1801 to hold a pen horizontally and a slot tohold a pen vertically 1802.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 19. Theopen-faced housing configured in accordance with this embodiment isconfigured for a vertical orientation, possibly for mounting on a wall,cubicle wall or any other substantially vertical surface. FIG. 20 showsa vertical embodiment that can be mounted on the back of a paper holderthat is in turn mounted on a computer monitor. Any other orientationthat yields grooves for holding disks with or without protective coversin open-faced housings, with or without combination grooves lives withinthe scope of the invention.

FIG. 21 shows a modular connecting embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, the grooves 102, 104, 106 are substantially parallel to thelength of the open-faced housing and a connected sideways in order toform devices with greater capacity for storing disks. Any type ofconnector or coupling mechanism 345, 346 that can be used to attach aplurality of the apparatus falls within the scope of the presentinvention.

The term “outer width slot” is defined as the widest and shallowest slotof the apparatus (see e.g., the embodiment of the invention illustratedin FIG. 24A). The slot depicted as having slot width “C” is referred toas an outer width slot and the slot with width “M” is the referred to asan “indented width slot” which is indented into the “outer width slot.”The word “ramp” as it is used herein refers to the “angled-guideportion”, i.e., the portion of the device that guides the intendedobject into place as the intended object descends into the appropriatewidth slot. Ramp is also used in order to signify a flat edged guidethat is not curved when viewed from the top, and is angled downward andinward into the appropriate width slot. FIG. 22D curved ramp “R1” andstraight ramp “R2” are examples of an angled-guide portion or “curved”ramp and a flat edge guide ramp. Curved and flat edge ramps derive theirnames from the top view of each ramp. Readers should note, however, thatother types of ramps accomplishing substantially the same effect, but ina different way are also contemplated as being part of the invention.The ramps may, for instance, still maintain an inward angle for purposesof guiding the disk, but not have a perfectly straight edge when viewedfrom the side. In FIG. 22B this would mean that ramp “R1” could beconcave or convex, but is shown as a straight line for simplicity.

FIG. 22A shows an embodiment of the invention having a thick case widthslot “C” (for example a DVD case or jewel case width slot) with twovertical outer walls leading to a ledge that is further indented withdisk width slot “D”. Disk width slot “D” has a side portion on the leftthat is deeper than the side portion on the right since thick case widthslot “C” indents and hence lowers the right side portion of disk widthslot “D”. Since the left outer width wall coincides with the left sideof the disk width slot “D”, this has the effect of producing a diskwidth slot with different depth side portions on each side. By placingthe label of the disk against the higher side portion of disk width slot“D”, further stability can be achieved than with a slot with shorterside portions. FIG. 22B shows an embodiment of the invention with curvedramp “R1” leading into disk width slot “D”. Curved ramp “R1” guides adisk without its protective case into place. FIG. 22C shows anembodiment of the invention with straight ramp “R2” leading to thickwidth slot with curved ramp “R1” leading to a disk width slot “D”. FIG.22D illustrates the top view of FIG. 22C. Curved Ramp “R1” helps align adisk into the slot. Ramp “R2” is not curved as viewed from the top sincethe bottom of the jewel case is not curved and is readily aligned with astraight ramp. Curved ramps however can be utilized where a straightramp is utilized. Although disk width slot “D” in FIG. 22A is shown onthe far left of the diagram, the slot may be placed anywhere in theouter slot with width “C”. Placing disk width slot “D” in the middle ofthick width slot “C” allows for curved ramps on both sides of disk widthslot “D”. Disk width slot “D” may be as deep as necessary for thedesired application, overlapping the data holding portion of the disk insome embodiments of the invention. FIGS. 22A through 25D are not toscale but show the various portions of the embodiments of the invention.All slots described herein can be as deep as required to keep theintended object in place. Moreover, the width may vary slightly so longas the general purpose of the slot (e.g., storing the intended item inan upright position) is maintained. The slots may be tilted forward orbackward so long as an inserted disk remains in place.

FIG. 23A shows an embodiment of the invention with thin case width slot“M” with a further indented disk width slot “D”. FIG. 23B shows anembodiment of the invention with curved ramp “R1” leading into diskwidth slot “D”. Curved ramp “R1” guides a disk into place. FIG. 23Cshows an embodiment of the invention with straight ramp “R2” leading toa thin case width slot with curved ramp “R1” leading to a disk widthslot. FIG. 23D illustrates the top view of FIG. 23C. Curved ramp “R1”helps align the disk into the slot. Ramp “R2” is not curved as viewedfrom the top since the bottom of the thin case is not curved and isreadily aligned with a straight ramp. Curved ramps however can beutilized where a straight ramp is utilized. Although disk width slot “D”in FIG. 23A is shown on the far left of the diagram, the slot may beplaced anywhere in the outer slot with width “C”.

FIG. 24A shows an embodiment of the invention with thick case width slot“C” with a further indented thin case slot “M”. FIG. 24B shows anembodiment of the invention with inner most straight ramp “R2” leadinginto thin case width slot “M”. Inner most straight ramp “R2” guides athin case into place. FIG. 24C shows an embodiment of the invention withouter most straight ramp “R2” leading to a thick case width slot withinner most straight ramp “R2” leading to a thin width slot. FIG. 24Dillustrates the top view of FIG. 24C. Straight ramps “R2” help align thecases with flat bottoms into their respective slots. Although thick caseslot “M” in FIG. 24A is shown on the far left of the diagram, the slotmay be placed anywhere in the thick case width slot “C”. Placing thincase slot “M” in the middle of thick case width slot “C” allows forstraight ramps leading into both sides of thin case width slot

FIG. 25A shows an embodiment of the invention with thick case width slot“C” with two further indented slots, thin case width slot “M” and diskwidth slot “D”. FIG. 25B shows an embodiment of the invention withcurved ramp “R1” leading into disk width slot “D”. Curved ramp “R1”guides a disk into place. FIG. 25C shows an embodiment of the inventionwith curved ramp “R1” leading to a disk width slot and straight ramp“R2” leading to a thin width slot. FIG. 25C 2 shows an embodiment of theinvention with curved ramp “R1” leading to the disk width slot andstraight ramp “R2” leading into the thin case width slot. FIG. 25Dillustrates the top view of FIG. 25C. Although disk width slot “D” andthin case slot “M” in FIG. 25A are shown on the outer edges of thediagram, the slots may be moved anywhere in thick case width slot “C”.Placing disk width slot “D” and thin case width slot “M” away from theedges of thick case width slot “C” allows for straight ramps leadinginto both sides of disk width slot “D” and both sides of thin case widthslot “M”.

FIG. 26 shows a modular component embodiment of the invention withmodular snaps 2600, 2601, 2602 and 2603 configured to couple withanother modular component. More or less snaps can be utilized with otherembodiments of the invention. Outer slot 2606 possesses lateral supportwalls which lead into further indented slot 2605 and deepest andthinnest slot 2604. The slots shown are centered, but can be justifiedto one side of the outer slot or the other as previous embodiments havedetailed. In addition, the outer slot can house both further indentedslots at the same level or as shown with one inside of the other.

FIG. 27A shows the top view of a horizontally oriented embodiment of theinvention allowing at least one disk to be mailed or transported in acompact way while also providing at least one slot for holding disks.Mailer 2700 comprises at least one slot 2703 which can be of any type ofslot previously mentioned and is shown here comprising a curved ramp anddisk slot for simplicity. Mailed disk indentation 2702 for transportinga disk is shown in cut-away view FIG. 27B on the left side of thediagram as a single disk thick indentation in which to hold the maileddisk. The disk may also be stored on the bottom of mailer 2700 inanother embodiment of the invention. The indentation can be deeper ifmore disks are to be mailed or transported in any way with thisembodiment. Finger extraction indent 2701 is shown in FIG. 27A in theupper right corner and allows for extracting the disk from mailer 2700.

FIG. 28A shows the front view of a vertically oriented embodiment of theinvention allowing at least one disk to be mailed or transported in acompact way while also providing at least one slot for holding disks.Mailer 2800 comprises at least one slot 2803 which can be any type ofslot previously described in this document and is generally projected ina non-orthogonal direction from the body of mailer 2800. Disk storageindentation 2802 may be on the front of the back of mailer 2800 and isshown here on the back side of mailer 2800 in FIG. 28B. If theindentation for storing disks is situated on the front of mailer 2800then a round indentation would be seen on the front of mailer 2800 aswas shown in FIG. 27A for mailer 2700, which would also allow for afinger extraction indent in that embodiment.

The means and method for storing disks should be apparent to thoseskilled in the art after reading this disclosure. For example, oneskilled in the art would recognize that the ramps described herein maybe on the front, back or both portions of each of the indented slots forall embodiments described. It should be understood that the foregoing isillustrative and not limiting and that those of ordinary skill in theart may make obvious modifications without departing from the spirit ofthe invention. Accordingly, reference should be made primarily to theaccompanying claims and the full scope of their equivalents, rather thanthe foregoing specification, to determine the scope of the invention.Thus an apparatus for storing and holding disks has been described.

1. An apparatus comprising: an open-faced housing configured to hold atleast one disk containing digital media; and, said open-faced housinghaving an outer width slot comprising at least one further indentedwidth slot.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outer width slot isconfigured to hold a thick case and at least one further indented widthslot comprises a first further indented width slot configured to hold adisk and a second further indented width slot configured to hold a thincase.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said disk width slot is deepenough to engage a data holding portion of said at least one disk. 4.The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said disk width slot is deeper on aside portion configured to hold a label side of said at least one diskand shallower on a data holding side of said at least one disk.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising: at least one ramp configured toguide said at least one disk into place as said at least one diskdescends into said open faced housing.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5wherein said at least one ramp comprises a straight ramp.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein said at least one ramp comprises a curvedramp.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one furtherindented width slot is positioned against an outer wall of said outerwidth slot.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least onefurther indented width slot is positioned away from an outer wall ofsaid outer width slot.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outerwidth slot is wider than a thick case.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said outer width slot is wider than a thin case.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one further indented widthslot is wider than a disk.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said atleast one further indented width slot is wider than a thin case.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said open-faced housing is formed into adisk bundle package.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising aconical indentation to hold a writing implement.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said open-faced housing is formed into a verticallyoriented configuration.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidopen-faced housing is formed into a computer monitor mount open-facedhousing.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said open-faced housing isformed into a modular component.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 whereinsaid computer monitor mount open-faced housing is located on the reverseside of a monitor mounted paper holder.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said open-faced housing is formed into a mailer.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 20 wherein said mailer is positioned horizontally.22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said mailer is positionedvertically.
 23. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising a diskstorage indentation covering said outer width slot.
 24. The apparatus ofclaim 20 further comprising a disk storage location positioned on areverse side of said outer width slot.
 25. An apparatus comprising: anopen-faced housing formed into a mailer wherein said open-faced housingis configured to transport at least one disk containing digital media;and, said open-faced housing having at least one slot configured to holdsaid at least one disk.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein saidmailer is positioned horizontally.
 27. The apparatus of claim 25 whereinsaid mailer is positioned vertically.
 28. The apparatus of claim 25further comprising a disk storage indentation covering said slot. 29.The apparatus of claim 25 further comprising a disk storage locationpositioned on a reverse side of said slot.
 30. A method comprising:placing a disk in a disk width slot wherein said disk width slot isfurther indented into an outer width slot; and, placing a thin case in athin case width slot wherein said thin case width slot is furtherindented into said outer width slot.
 31. The method of claim 30 furthercomprising: removing said disk from said disk width slot; removing saidthin case from said thin case width slot; and, placing a thick case insaid outer width slot.